http://www.agentandbroker.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/TPO0meWkFVY/The-Mutual-Service-Office-Inc.aspxThe Mutual Service Office Inc. has created a business owners programs that has been approved in Maine, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/TPO0meWkFVY" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/The-Mutual-Service-Office-Inc.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: New Policies)Coverage and Policy Issueshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/The-Mutual-Service-Office-Inc.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/skBP8KtU8II/Agents-Council-of-Technology.aspxThe Independent Agents & Brokers of America’s Agents Council for Technology (ACT) has released podcasts on agency productivity and Internet marketing.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/skBP8KtU8II" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Agents-Council-of-Technology.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: New Technology)Automation and Technologyhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Agents-Council-of-Technology.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/Ysg_kdMHM-M/PIA-Management-Services.aspxPIA Management Services Inc. has promoted Jaye Czupryna to member informaton manager and hired Drew Cordes as member information specialist.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/Ysg_kdMHM-M" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/PIA-Management-Services.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: People and Places)Recruiting and Talent Managementhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/PIA-Management-Services.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/1RpOjOL8aJQ/Colorado-Casualty.aspxMichael C. Brewer has been appointed to vice president of marketing for Colorado Casualty.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/1RpOjOL8aJQ" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Colorado-Casualty.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: People and Places)Recruiting and Talent Managementhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Colorado-Casualty.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/RmC32o-Jpy0/Property-Casualty-.aspxJanice M. Abraham, who has 15 years of experience in serving in higher education, was elected as chairwoman of the Property Casualty Insurers Assn. of America.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/RmC32o-Jpy0" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Property-Casualty-.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: People and Places)Recruiting and Talent Managementhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Property-Casualty-.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/4zMhRG0-v-A/The-Main-Street-America-Group.aspxThe Main Street America Group has a new main line BOP property and liability insurance product and policy inssuance system.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/4zMhRG0-v-A" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/The-Main-Street-America-Group.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: New Policies)Coverage and Policy Issueshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/The-Main-Street-America-Group.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/QrS3ZccFjxs/WR-Berkley-has-new-president.aspxRobert Berkley Jr. has been appointed to president and chief operating office of W.R. Berkley Corp.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/QrS3ZccFjxs" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/WR-Berkley-has-new-president.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: People and Places)Recruiting and Talent Managementhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/WR-Berkley-has-new-president.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/RPEpDjzirfg/Karen-.aspxKaren Youngman, personal lines manager at Don Allen Agency in New York, has been named co-chair of the Real Time/Download Campaign.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/RPEpDjzirfg" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Karen-.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Around the Industry: People and Places)Recruiting and Talent Managementhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/News/2009/11/Pages/Karen-.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/CCCzlVcwiMs/VoIP-Can-you-see-me-now.aspxDo you remember the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City? I remember being a wide-eyed 10-year-old boy walking through the many different pavilions with images of “The Jetsons” dancing in my head.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/CCCzlVcwiMs" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/VoIP-Can-you-see-me-now.aspxRickGGilman@gmail.com (Rick Gilman, APR, CMP)Automation and Technologyhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/VoIP-Can-you-see-me-now.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/Vxg7AAOlz4E/2009-gores-agent-MAs.aspxAfter years of robust M&A insurance activity, the number of deals completed in 2009 will probably cause this year’s deal totals to be the lowest in several years.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/Vxg7AAOlz4E" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/2009-gores-agent-MAs.aspxltoops@sbmedia.com (Laura M. Toops, American Agent & Broker editor)Mergers and Acquisitionhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/2009-gores-agent-MAs.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/SLbH-oeEOsU/JD-Power-Consumer-satisfaction-with-homeowners-insurance-surges-in-2009.aspxFor the first time in 5 years, consumer satisfaction with homeowner insurance policies surged in 2009, according to an annual survey by J.D. Power and Assocs.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/SLbH-oeEOsU" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/JD-Power-Consumer-satisfaction-with-homeowners-insurance-surges-in-2009.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Industry IQ)Personal Lines Coveragehttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/JD-Power-Consumer-satisfaction-with-homeowners-insurance-surges-in-2009.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/VGeDlS2NLko/Aon-study-shows-employers-changing-2010-medical-programs.aspxAs employees flip through their open enrollment packets, they may notice substantial changes to their medical plans for 2010.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/VGeDlS2NLko" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Aon-study-shows-employers-changing-2010-medical-programs.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Industry IQ)Specialty Lineshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Aon-study-shows-employers-changing-2010-medical-programs.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/EW0NGSwOlYU/Its-a-whole-other-agency.aspxTyler, Texas, located 100 miles southeast of Dallas, boasts picturesque antique shops, mom-and-pop specialty stores and charming brick streets.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/EW0NGSwOlYU" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Its-a-whole-other-agency.aspxmhillebrand@sbmedia.com (Melissa Hillebrand, AA&B managing editor)Recruiting and Talent ManagementSales and Marketinghttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Its-a-whole-other-agency.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/evHOaj73ULI/Follow-steps-to-logical-process-of-qualifying.aspxIn September’s article, I challenged you to create 60 or so questions to use as basic preparation tools for beginning the sales process.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/evHOaj73ULI" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Follow-steps-to-logical-process-of-qualifying.aspxtomb@siaa.net (Tom Barrett, CIC, AIA)Sales and Marketinghttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Follow-steps-to-logical-process-of-qualifying.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/dHdgi-yJU2I/Decommoditize-personal-lines.aspxNow that the personal lines industry is finally seeing some relief with upward rate adjustments after a prolonged soft market, the time has never been better to align the agency workforce toward the power of consultative selling.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/dHdgi-yJU2I" height="1" width="1"/>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Decommoditize-personal-lines.aspxdhillier@northeastbank.com (Debora Hillier, CIC)Personal Lines Coveragehttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Decommoditize-personal-lines.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/oVkVc4xQqXc/Its-the-capacity-stupid.aspxIn the professional lines arena of the insurance industry, numerous forces at work affect the market between the ebb and flow of the hard and soft cycles.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/oVkVc4xQqXc" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Its-the-capacity-stupid.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (David Bell)Sales and Marketinghttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Its-the-capacity-stupid.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/pffUiHS6rmU/Census-ranks-major-US-cities-with-health-insurance-coverage.aspxWorkers’ comp state funds now control a quarter of the insured workers’ comp market, despite the fact they only write in 25 states, according to a new study by Conning Research and Consulting.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/pffUiHS6rmU" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Census-ranks-major-US-cities-with-health-insurance-coverage.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Industry IQ)Specialty Lineshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Census-ranks-major-US-cities-with-health-insurance-coverage.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/23O0N-0-ZGs/Top-10-ways-insurers-are-noncompliant.aspxMissing claims deadlines, improper policy termination and failure to pay claims properly top the list of reasons why property-casualty insurers are out of compliance during market conduct exam.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/23O0N-0-ZGs" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Top-10-ways-insurers-are-noncompliant.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Industry IQ)Sales and Marketinghttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Top-10-ways-insurers-are-noncompliant.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/Pp7Gu5MjGbc/Guide-separation-of-insureds-WOS-in-contractor-minefield.aspxWelcome to the month of November, a time of Thanksgiving gatherings and minefields. Minefields?<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/Pp7Gu5MjGbc" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Guide-separation-of-insureds-WOS-in-contractor-minefield.aspxchris@insuranceisfun.com (Chris Amrhein)Coverage and Policy Issueshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Guide-separation-of-insureds-WOS-in-contractor-minefield.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/EvkZBKHIBTo/Census.aspxHonolulu enjoys the most extensive health insurance coverage of any major American city, with only 5.25 percent of its residents without coverage, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/EvkZBKHIBTo" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Census.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Industry IQ)Personal Lines CoverageSpecialty Lineshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Census.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/3XbASNN_gDQ/Financial-institution-insurance.aspxMarket Directories<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/3XbASNN_gDQ" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Financial-institution-insurance.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Market Directory)Specialty Lineshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Financial-institution-insurance.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/dgQQS7FnfG4/Sustainability.aspxThe ability of insurance professionals to sustain future business profitability requires examining operating principles and practices at the core of an enterprise able to capitalize on the opportunities of a changing world.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/dgQQS7FnfG4" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Sustainability.aspxbernie@aamga.org (Bernd G. Heinze, Esq.)Recruiting and Talent Managementhttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Sustainability.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/yujrB2sPMuA/-Invest-beyond-financial-protection.aspxFor many in the insurance industry, the Resolution Trust Corp. (RTC) was a mere footnote in the history books.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/yujrB2sPMuA" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/-Invest-beyond-financial-protection.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Craig A. Vermost, CPCU)Specialty Lineshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/-Invest-beyond-financial-protection.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/_3Cd8sFEd9M/Midterm-elections-could-mix-familiar-with-unpredictable.aspxFor those who enjoy their politics wild and unpredictable, 2010 will be a great year.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/_3Cd8sFEd9M" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Midterm-elections-could-mix-familiar-with-unpredictable.aspxCustomerService@sbmedia.com (Paul C. Blume Jr.)Coverage and Policy Issueshttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Midterm-elections-could-mix-familiar-with-unpredictable.aspxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~3/f6vEUgVvSeM/Cash-flow-underwriting-frustrates-agents.aspxAgents are boiling over with frustration at carriers who are focused entirely on growth regardless of loss ratio.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanAgentBrokerArticleRss/~4/f6vEUgVvSeM" height="1" width="1"/>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Cash-flow-underwriting-frustrates-agents.aspxchris@burand-associates.com (Chris Burand)Recruiting and Talent ManagementSales and Marketinghttp://www.agentandbroker.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/Cash-flow-underwriting-frustrates-agents.aspx